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MADISON, Wis. - AMadison lawyer arrested on suspicion of hitting his wife with a cane during adomestic dispute has pleaded guilty and says he has terminal cancer.

A complaint statesthat Daniel Rottier, 62, of Maple Bluff, hit his wife on the back with his caneafter she questioned him about being drunk.

He was arrested Feb.7.

Rottier entered aguilty plea on Friday as part of a plea deal. He agreed to enter the firstoffenders program and his plea will be held pending his completion of theprogram.

He told the judge he’sbattling terminal cancer.

"I think thisincident came about largely because of an attempt to deal with stress andpressure and pain through the use of alcohol," Rottier said. "Clearlythat doesn't work and it contributed to the circumstances here. It's my hopeand intent to work through this for my remaining days in a more appropriatemanner."

Rottier apologized tothe court for the entire event.

Rottier’s wife said hewas supposed to be taking their children to the movies, but he came home andhad been drinking, according to the criminal complaint. She said he hit herwhen she confronted him.